Hundreds Bear The Cold To Mourn Musial

ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – Hundreds of people lined the sidewalk of Lindell Boulevard this afternoon in a row leading to the steps of the Cathedral Basilica. Inside, on the cathedral’s alter, lies the open casket of Stan Musial.

Musial, considered by many to be the greatest player to wear a St. Louis Cardinals jersey, was remembered by those in line for what he did away from the field. Fans spoke of Musial’s humility and kindness, telling anecdotes of meeting him in restaurants or at Busch Stadium. Musial was dressed in an all-too-familiar red blazer Thursday with white carnations on each side of his casket.

Thursday’s public visitation comes days before Musial’s funeral Saturday morning, which will be closed to the public. Following the funeral, a procession will lead from the Cathedral Basilica to Busch Stadium.

No photography is allowed inside the cathedral during Thursday’s six-hour visitation. Fans are asked to leave any flowers or mementos at the Musial statue at Busch Stadium.

Parking near the Cathedral Basilica is expected to be hard to come by until the visitation ends at 8 p.m. Thursday. Police will be on hand, attempting to keep the traffic flowing.